NIKIN
NIKIN is a Swiss sustainable clothing brand founded in 2016 by Nicholas Hänny and Robin Gnehm. It sells basics and accessories and plants a tree for every product sold.
| Founded | 2016 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Nicholas Hänny, Robin Gnehm |
| Promise | One tree per product sold |
| Core markets | Switzerland, Germany |
| Website | nikin.ch |
What is NIKIN?
NIKIN is a Swiss fashion start-up founded in 2016 by Nicholas Hänny, a University of St Gallen graduate who serves as CEO, and Robin Gnehm. The founders started the business with 5,000 Swiss francs in capital.
Business model
NIKIN's defining promise is to plant one tree for every product sold. The company has planted more than two million trees worldwide, making reforestation a central part of its brand identity and marketing.
Products and positioning
The brand offers sustainable clothing and accessories for women and men, including:
- T-shirts, hoodies and other basics
- Caps, beanies and bags
- Innovative pieces such as a fully compostable T-shirt made with naNea material from Swiss start-up OceanSafe
NIKIN positions its products in the accessible mid-market, combining everyday designs with sustainability claims.
Distribution
NIKIN grew through social media marketing and direct online sales, with Switzerland and Germany as its core markets and plans for further European expansion.
Why it matters
NIKIN shows how a digital-native Swiss brand can build scale with a simple, measurable sustainability promise and a community-driven marketing approach.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded NIKIN?
NIKIN was founded in 2016 by Nicholas Hänny and Robin Gnehm.
Does NIKIN really plant a tree for every product?
Yes, planting a tree for every product sold is NIKIN's core model, and it has planted more than two million trees.